The mayors of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and 15 other cities sent a letter to congressional leaders saying it’s “time to test and evaluate approaches limiting” the use of the subsidies for sugar-laden beverages, in the interest of fighting obesity and related diseases.

What soda ban? Artisanal soda is a revelation. Gone is the sticky, syrupy, chemically bite of so many mass-produced beverages, replaced with colors found in nature, refreshing, natural bubbles, and real fruit flavor. Read on for five of our favorite purveyors of this good stuff.

We sipped some fabulous beverages in 2012 (alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike). Some of these drinks listed were invented in New York City, while others were just popularized here. All, however, are worth a try, especially at an equally iconic bar, restaurant, or, yes, soda fountain.